Manufacture of plain or patterned tufted or pile fabrics



March 22, 1932. 1 Q 1,850,984

MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PTTERNED TUF'TED OR FILE FABRICS Filed June 25. 1951 7 Sheets-Sheet l If Fit/Q75 Z07 .1. MORTON 1,850,984

MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PATTERNED TUFTED OR PILE FABRICS March 22, 1932.

Filed June 25, 1931 '7 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 22, 1932. J. MORTON 1,850,984

MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PATTERNED TUFTED OR FILE FABRICS Filed June 25, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 March 22, 1932. .1 MORTON MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PATTERNED TUFTED OR FILE FABRICS Filed June 25, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 J. MORTON 1,850,984

MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PATTERNED TUFTED OR FILE FABRICS March 22, 1932.

Filed June 25, 1931 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 March 22, 1932. .17 MORTON 1,850,934

MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PATTERNED TUFTED OR FILE FABRICS Filed June 25, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 J. MORTON March 22, 1932.

MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN OR PATTERNED TUFTED OR FILE FABRICS Filed June 25, 1931 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 made than heretofore, but the setting loom Patented Mar. 22, 1932 JAMES nonren, or wns'r Lornmn, scorLANn MANUFACTURE OF PLAIN 0R PATTERNED TUFTED OR PILE FABRICS Application filed June 25, 1931, Serial No. 546,859, and in Great Britain July 21, 1930.

This invention relates to the manufacture of pile fabrics in which the pile is supplied in strip form, for instance as strips of chenille. V f

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of introducing the pile strip into the fabric, so that the strapbinding warps (usually, and hereinafter, termed the catcher warpsi) .will be located positively in appropriate binding relationship with each strip in such a manner that said warps cannot foul the pile thereof.

This object is attained according to my invention by making provision wherby each strip has its pile mechanically opened out and held apart as tufts, and the catcher warps for binding the strip into the fabric are introduced to the open spaces or channels between the tufts so as to lie on or over the core. or other base of the strip, this being done in such a manner that thecatcher warps do not, during introduction, bend down or displace the tufts, which are left standing erect,

and, therefore, do not require subsequently to be combed or otherwise straightened out.

In carrying out the invention, each strip is held firmly by its base and with its pile upstanding, and separator or dividing devices are forced to enter the pile and positively open it out as tufts with clear spaces or channels between them into which the catcher warps are introduced without fouling the tops of the tufts.

By introducing the catcher warps in this manner not only can better pile fabrics be can be run continuously instead of being stopped at intervals in order to effect-the heretofore necessarycombing operation.

To ensure that the catcher warps, at their introduction, shall not contact with the tops of the tufts, they are introduced in. what may be termed alater'al manner. (hereinafter explained) and at or near the base of the pile.

ous ways, but, preferably, I adopt the following method of procedure constituting a cycle of operations, namelyz the strips are first supplied, one after another, to a strip- The invention can be carried out in vari-- tufts apart, and then, whilethe tufts are thus held, the catcher warps are entered in a lateral manner between the tufts and located upon or over the base of the strip, whereupon a gripper or the like is caused to seize the strip by its tufts, and, on release of the strip from the carrier, transport it to the fell of the fabric being manufacturechthe.

catcher warps lying on or over the base of the strip during such transportation. As a result of this method of procedure, a complete and regular upright pile is introduced into the fabric, and there is no necessity for the heretofore usual combing operation.

In order that the inventionmay be clearly understood, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawingswhich illustrate, by way of example, the application of apparatus embodying the invention to a setting loom for the manufacture of such fabrics as chenille Axmin'ster carpets and the like.

On the drawings i Figs. 1 to 4 are diagrams illustrating four different positions assumed by parts of the apparatus during the cycle of operations. 7 1 Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the setting. loom, only such parts thereof being shown as are necessary to enable the invention to be readily understood by those skilled in the art.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view of warp shedding and guiding means already included in Fig. 5, F ig. Gbeing drawn'to a larger scale:

greater detail Fig. '5.

parts alreadyillus'trated in Fig. 7 is a section on the line VII'VII of i Fig. 9 is a view to alarger scale showing in Fig. 10 a plan of a stripholding carrier with associated parts. including a separator device.

Fig. 10 is a detail view.

Fig. 11 is a detail view of a modified form of said device.

Fig. 12 is a section on the line XIIXTI of Fig. 10, while Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sec tion on the line XTIIXIII of Fig. 12.

Fig. 1a is an elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 12 but showing in addition details of mechanism for operating the separator device.

Fig. 15 is a perspective view to an enlarged scale of a blade constituting a part of the separator device.

Fig. 16 is a view in the direction of the arrow XVI in Fig. 5 and showing means for supplying strips of chenille to a strip-positioning device.

Fig. 17 is a section on the line XVTIXVII of Fig. 16, Fig. 17 showing a chenille-laying stroup and its carrier and being drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. 18 is a section on the XVIIIXVIII of Fig. 17

Fig. 19 is a section of the strip-positioning device and a plunger co-operating therewith.

Fig. 20 is a detail view of strip-cutting means, the view being a section on the line XXXX of Fig. 16 and drawn to a larger scale.

Fig. 21 is a view in the direction of the arrow XXI in Fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a sectional elevation to a larger scale of a detail already shown in Fig. 16 and hereinafter described.

Fig. 23 is a view of a piece of fiat chenille strip, such as can be inserted according to the invention.

Figs. 24, 25 and 26 are diagrammatic views corresponding to Figs. 1, 3 and i, but illustrating a modification of the apparatus.

Fig. 27 is a View in the direction of the arrow XXVII in Fig. 24:, Fig. 27 being drawn to a larger scale.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, A denotes the strip-positioning device, while B denotes the strip-holding carrier which is provided with aws C and is slidably mounted on a fixed slideway D. The carrier B is provided with a separator device E which works in co-operation with the needles of a needle-frame F. G denotes the gripper which can move to-and-fro in a direction parallel to the plane of the slideway and can also be raised and lowered at right angles to the said plane. H denotes the breast plate of the loom. J denotes the catcher warps and K, K ground warps.

The strip-positioning deviceA is supplied in a manner hereinafter described with strips X of chenille in succession.

Immediately after the supply of a strip X the device A moves downwards into a position in which the base of the strip enters the line open jaws C of the carrier B, the positions of the parts at this stage in the cycle of operations being illustrated in Fig. 1. The jaws 0 now close on the base of the strip and hold it firmly with the pile upstanding, while the blades E of the separator E pass through the pile and open it out as tufts, the device A. meanwhile moving upwards again in readiness to receive the next strip. The positions of the parts at this stage in the cycle of operations is illustrated in Fig. 2. As therein shown, the gripper G has meantime moved with open jaws from its Fig. 1 position into proximity to the needle-frame F. The stripholding carrier B now moves down the slideway D into a position in which the needles of the needle frame with the catcher warps enter channels in the respective blades E of the separator E. As the carrier B approaches its lowermost position, the separator E is constrained aga nst continuation of its move ment in unison with tne carrier, with the result that the tufts are gradually withdrawn from between the blades E At the instant when the tufts leave the blades E the gripper G descends upon the strip and its jaws close upon the tufts. The positions of the parts at this stage in the cycle of operations are illustrated in Fig. 3. Thereafter, the jaws C open and the grpper G transports the strip of chenille to the fell of the carpet being produced by the loom, ready for the beat up. The fell, as shown, is the line where all. the warps converge in the vicinity of the breastplate H. During transport of the strip. its base is held against the catcher warps J. The needle-frame F is then lowered to close the shed between the catcher warps J and the raised ground warps K, and the usual weaving operations take place whereby the strip is incorporated in the fabric, said operations involving a further lowering of the needle frame F to form a shed between the catcher warps and the raised ground warps. At the same time, the gripper G relieves its hold. on the tufts and rises away from them. The positions of the parts at this stage are illustrated by Fig. 4:, the parts completing their cycle of operationsby moving back to the pos tions illustrated in Fig. 1.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the modus operandi comprises the steps, in sequence, of first presenting each strip to and holding it by jaws-which grip it at its base leaving the pile upstanding, then passing separating blades E through the pile in order to separate it into tufts and keep them apart, then introducing the catcher warps between the separated tufts and locating them on or over the base of the strip and, finally, releasing the base of the strip and transport ing it to the fell of the cloth ready for the beat up.

It will further be seen that the catcher warps are introduced in a lateral manner;

that is tosay, the strips are moved sideways. with upstanding tufts, the movement taking.

place substantially in the planeofthe catcher warps, which enter the spaces between the tufts from one side of the strip.

Particular reference will. now be made to the construction and operation of the setting loom as illustrated in Fig. 5.

In this figure the parts Just before. de-,

scribed have been denoted, generally by'the same letters of reference. 7

The-loom comprises aframe 2.0. which sup,-

ports all the working parts, and the strippositioning device A is secured. at each end to a lever 21 fulcrumed on. a pin 22, each lever being connected by a link 23, to a bellcrank-lever 2r fulcrum ed. on a transverse shaft 25 and connected by a link 26to a lever 27 also fulcrumed on the pin 22. The lever 27 is adapted to be oscillated about its fulcrum by one of an assembly of earns 28 keyed to a rotatable shaft 29. The arrangement is such that, when the lever 27 is rocked by its cam, the lever 21 raises the strip-positioning device A into or out of. operative relationship with the jawsG of the strip-holding car rier B.

The strip-holding carrier B, wh ch is guided on the slidewayD by longitudinal guide strips 30 thereon, is connected, at each of its ends, by a link 31 to one end of a lever 32 fulcrnmed between its ends on the transverse shaft 25. The other end of the lever 32 is connected by a link 33 to one end of a lever also fulcrumed on the pin 22 and which is.

controlled by one of the assembly of cams 28. The arrangement is such that when the lever 34: is rocked about the fulcrum by its cam. the carrier B is moved along the strips 3O towards and away from the breast-plate H.

The needles of the frame F consist of a series of thin strong bladeslO secured to a cross-bar 41 having each of its ends suspended by a link .2 from one end of a bell-crank-lever 4:8 fulcrumed on the cross-shaft 25 andwhich is connected, at its other end, by a link as to one end of a lever fulcrumed on the pin 22 and controlled by one of the assembly of cams 28. The connection between the link 42 and the bell-crank-lever 43 serves as the support for atubular rod'tii extending across the lever, this rod serving as a guide for the catcher warps J. The catcher warps are also guided by theback of the bar 41 and by the transverse shaft 25, whence they pass by way of guide rolls 47 to the warp beam 48; The catcher warps J are threaded through the re spective needles to in the usual manner. The ends of the frame F would be provided with vertical guides as usual in chenille setting looms. The entire arrangement is such that when the lever 45 is rocked by its cam. the frame F is lowered or raised so as to close, cross or open the shed between the catcher warp J and the ground warps K in the usual weaving operations.

reed secured to the. batten.

The gripper G is supported, at each end, by a. guide block 50, each block 50 being slidably mounted; on a guide-rod 51 disposed substantially parallel to the plane of the catcher warps J when these are raised into their open shedded position. Each of the guide-rods .51. is secured at its ends to a movable support 52 which is slidably mounted on. a pair of guide-rods 53 disposed at right anglefs to the respective guide-rods 51. The

' rods 53 are secured to a bracket 54 which is fixed to a suitable part of the frame 20 of the loom. The construction is shown clearly at Fig. 5.

Each of the blocks 50 is connected by a link 55 to a bell-crank-lever 56 fulcrumed on SOT the pin 22, the bell-crank-lever 56 being controlled by one of the assembly of cams 28 on the shaft 29.

ciated with which would preferably be rotated in unison with the shaft 29 through a chaln-and-sprocket dr1ve. The strut 57' is shown broken away. .The' arrangement is scribed with reference to Figs. 1 to 4 in one complete revolution of the shaft 29'. This shaft may be rotated by the loom-driving mechanism, but is preferably rotated by its own electric motor. In either case, the arrangement would be such that the shaft. 29 is set in motion'immediately the usual weaving mechanism of the loom has performed the work necessary to bind each strip of chenille into the carpet and is automatically stopped on completing one revolution. The shaft 29 may be set in motion by inserting a clutch either automatically by the loom mechanism, or by hand.

The weaving mechanism of the loom includes a camshaft 60 to which is keyed an assembly of cams 61 whose function is to impart to the batten. 62 the requisite beat-up motion. 68 denotes the usual open-topped The batten is supported at difi'erent points throughout its length by levers 64 fulcrumed at 65 and carrying rollers 64 which engage with. suitably shaped grooves in the cam 61. The

shedding mechanism consists of two frames of needles 66,67, the needles being carriedby The support 52 is connected to a cam-actuated strut 57 the cam assobars 68, 69 respectively supported at differs v, a

cut points throughout their length by struts cam shaft 74. The ground warps K are supn .which is indicated at 9 plied from warp beams 7 5, 76 and pass by way of groups of guide rolls 77, 7 8 through the eyes 66, 6T (see Fig. 6) of the needles 66, 67 to the fell of the carpet.

The weft is inserted in well known manner by a transversely reciprocable needle shown conventionally where indicated by 79.

The carpet, when woven, passes over the top of the breast-plate H and is wound on a beam 80 in usual manner.

A feature of the settin loom is the provision of means for guiding the tips of the needles and for keeping adjacent pairs of ground ."varps K separate, so that the needles 40 can easily pass between them. The said means are illustrated in Figs. 6 to 8. As therein shown, a stationary bar 81 has a number of upstanding guides 82 ofinverted Ll-shape. Each guide receives the tip of two coplanar needles 86, 83 of the TQSPQCEIVG frames and thereby serves to constrain the needles to a lined path. As shown in Fig. 8, the warps K pass around the outer sides of the guides 82 and are threaded thpough the eyes 66, 67 of the needles 66, 61, the arrangement being such that the w arps are d1sposed in pairs which are regularly spaced apart.

With reference to the strip-holding carrier B, the general arrangement thereof in relation to the co-operating parts of the apparatus will be seen most clearly in Fig. 9, while the details of the carriers construction are shown in Figs. 10 to 13. As shown, the carrier includes a slidable base 90 to the front side of which a jaw 91 is fixed. The jaw 91 co-operates with a movable jaw 92 which rests upon the lined jaw and 1S at: tached thereto by a umber of pins, one 0; Each pin 93 aasses through a longitudinal slot 94 in the 11Xfil aw 91 and also through an inclined cam slot in a slide 96 which is mo nted for movement across the front of the carrier immediately below the aw 91. The slide is guided by a number of pins on the fixed jaw 91 which engage in a slot 9'? formed in the slide 96, one of these s being indicated 98 (Fig. 10). One end of the slide 96 has a pin 99 which engages in long slot 100 formed in a memher 101. which is supported on a plate 102, and each end of the member 101 has a pin 103 engaging in one of two guide slots 104 formed in the plate 102. The member 101 has two arms 105 provided at their ends with oins 106 which engage with inclined cam slots 107 in a cam plate 108, which is mounted in a slideway 109 formed integral with the plate 102. An arm 110 projecting from one end of the cam plate 108 has a roller 111 which engages in the groove-of a cam 112 (1ndicated in dotted lines) keyed to a shaft 113. This shaft would be adapted to rotate in unison with, and at the same speed as, the cam shaft 28 and would preferably be driven thereby through a cham-and-sprocket drive.

The arrangement is such that, when the cam plate 108 is moved along its slideway 109 by the action of the cam 111, the member 101 is caused to move along the slots 104 towards or away from the carrier B. The movement of the member 101 is transmitted to the slide 96 no matter what position may be occupied by the carrier on the slideway D. The movement of the slide 96 results in the jaw 92 being moved towards or away from the fixed jaw 91, as the case may be, by the action of the cam slots 95.

With reference to the separator E, its constructional details are shown in Figs. 10 to 15 and, as shown, it comprises essentially a long series of blades 120, the blades being all bent into approximate V-shape in cross section and havmg sharp points at one end (see Fig. 15). The points may be arranged in alignment, as in Fig. 10, or in sinuous or staggered formation, as in Fig. 11. This latter arrangement ensures that the sharp points will work more smoothly and with comparatively little shock through the pile of the strip. At their other ends, the blades are welded to a serrated ridge 121 formed on a slide 122 supported by the base 90 of the carrier B. The slide 122 has a number of pins which engage in grooves in the base 90, one of each of these pins and slots being denoted respectively by 123 and 124. The slide 122 is pressed towards the front of the carrier by a number of strong springs disposed between the backs of the slide and base 90, one of these springs being conventionally shown at 125 as a blade spring. It will, of course, be obvious that any other suitable form of spring may be employed.

In the position in which the separator E is shown in Figs. 10 to 15, the slide 122 is held in its rearmost position against the action of the springs 125 by a trigger device, there being one of these devices at each end of the carrier B. One of the trigger devices is illustrated in Fig. 14. As therein shown, the device comprises a latch 126 which is pivoted at 127 to the slide 122 and which is pressed downwards by a spring 128 into secure engagement with a catch 129 on the base 90. The slide 122 has a projection 129 serving as an abutment for the latch 126 and also co-operating with a stop 130 fixed to the slideway l) and located in the path of the abutment 129 The slideway D is also provided with a bracket 131 which serves as a guide and support for a plunger 132 located immediately below the latch 126 when the carrier B is in its rearmost position. At the bottom of the plunger 132 there is a roller 133 co-operating with a cam 134 secured to on uv the'same shaft 135 as asmall gear wheel 136. A wheel 137 ,which may be secured to the same shaft 113 as the cam 112, has a partially toothed periphery, the arrangement being such that, during a portion of one rotation of the shaft 113, the cam 134 receives 2 a complete rotation during which it imparts to the plunger 132 a sharp upward movement, in consequence of which the latch 126 is knocked clear of its catch 129, with the result that the blades 120 are projected by the springs 125 across the top of the jaws 91, 92.

It will therefore be clear that,'if a strip of chenille X is seized at its base between the jaws with its pile upstanding, the blades 120 will be moved through the pile so as to form itinto tufts and will hold these apart, as seen in the small diagram, Fig. 10

Immediately the trigger device is tripped, as above described, the strip-holding carrier B is moved forwards downthe slideway D. As the carrier approaches its foremost position, each abutment 129 engages with the corresponding stop 139, which restrains the separator device against further participation in the movement of the carrier. In consequence, the blades 120 are withdrawn from between the tufts, their place being taken by the catcher warps which, as previously explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, have meantime been introduced into the channels of the blades 120 and located between the tufts by the needles of the needleframe F.

It will be clear that, when the carrier B moves into its foremost position, the nose of the stationary latch 128 willengage with the advancing catch 129 and willride over the catch until finally it snaps in position behind it, the separator'E thus being locked again in its re'armost position on the carrier.

It wi l be clear that the separator E, in stead of beng operated by spring-and-trigger mechanism as described, could be operated by mechanism controlled by cams, which might conveniently be included in the assembly of earns 28.

lVith reference to the gripper "G, the :construction thereof is shown in Fig. 9.. As shown, the gripper consists of a fixed jaw 140, which extends between the two slideblocks 50, and a movable jaw 141 which ispivotallv attached at 142 to the jaw .140 and is urged by springs 143 to closeagainst it. The movable jaw is providedat each'end with an arm 14.4 carrying a roller 145. Immediately above this roller extends a rail 146 which'is secured to the rods53. The arrangement is such that when the strut 57 is forced upwards byits cam to raise the gripper G-as a whole, the roller 145 engages'the rail 146, which prevents the roller from :rising further and accordingly opens the jaws 141 against the spring action. The a jaw 141 immediately closes again when the gripper is lowered. With reference to the strip-positioning'device A, one manner in which the strips are suppliedthereto is illustrated in Figs. 16 to The strip-positioning device itself comprises a horizontal bar 150 shaped throughout most of its length with a trough 151. On top of the bar there are two spaced angle bars 152 (see Fig. 19) which serve as guides between which the strip X is laid. If desired, the bars 152 may be adjustable towards and away from one another to suit different widths of strips. lwo light flexible slats 153 are secured to the bar 150 and project angular'ly into the trough throughout its length. Several pairs of interchangeable slats may be provided to suit d-iflferent widths of strips.

The strip-positioning device co-operates with a plunger which comprises two thin resilientblades 154, toothed along their lower edges and secured along their top edges to a bar 155 supportedat its ends by levers 156 fu'lcrumed at 157 (see Fig. 5) and controlled by the assembly of cams 28. The arrangement is such that, when .the levers-156 are rocked by their cams, the plungers dip into the trough 151 and if a strip X be positioned on the bar 150, the teeth of the blades 154 chgage the stri-palong both sides of its core and force it between and beyond the slats 153 which prevent the strip from returning upwards through the trough when the latter dips away from the plunger. Fig. 19 shows the plunger descending andjust'about to en gage a strip X, the latter being shown also by dotted lines in the position into which "it is finally forced by the plunger. 7

The strip-positioning.device also co -operates with a device for laying-in the strips. Thisdevice comprises a stroup 160 pivotally connected -at'160 toa carrier 161 and pressed downwards by a spring 162 (see Fig. 16) against a stop 163.. The carrier 161 is slidably. mounted on a fixed horizontal rail 164 secured by brackets 165 .to the loom frame20. The stroup carrier can be reciprocated along the rail '164-between stops 166, 167 thereon. The movements of the st-roup carrier to the left, asvie-wedin Fig. 16, are derived from a flexible connection 168, including a spring 169 and passing around adrum 17.0 adapted to be rotatedin-either direction by intermeshin'g gear-wheels 171, 172, the latter of which would be rotated preferablythrough a chainand-sproc ket'drive. 'The movements of the stroup carrier to the right (i. e. the return movements) are derived from a leather or fabric belt 173 which passes over a. guide roller 174 to a drum 175. This drum is connected to its fixed journal 17 6 through an 'in-' during the carriers movement to the left. When the drum 170 is rotated to permit the carrier to return to the right, the spring 177 winds up the drum 175 carried by brackets and pulls the carrier to the right. In Fig. 18 the parts are reversed.

The belt 17 3 serves as a support for a continuous length of strip Y passing to the carrier from any suitable source of supply, such as a creel 178, by way of an adjustable guide 179. The strip is threaded through the stroup 160 and is automatically locked therein against retrograde movement by a pawl 180 which may be spring-pressed.

The lower end of the stroup is adapted to rest against, or to extend close to, the chenillereceiving surface of the bar 150, when the latter is raised, and is provided with a nose 181 which co-operates with a pawl 182 carried by the stop 166 and pressed towards a limiting position, in which it hangs vertically from the stop, by a spring 183. The arrangement is such that when the strip is threaded through the stroup and the stroup carrier is moved towards the left (Fig. 16), thereby unwinding a length of strip from the creel 178, the nose 181 ultimately strikes and displaces the pawl 182 and carries the projecting end of the strip below and beyond the pawl. When the stroup carrier is returned to the right, the pawl 182 bites into the end of the strip and looks it against the solid portion of the bar 150 just beyond the trough 151. In consequence, the strip is paid-out through the stroup, the paying-out being in no wise hindered by the pawl 180. When the stop 167 is reached, the plunger 154, 155 descends through the trough and positions the paidout strip X. therein (as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 19) with the base of the strip projecting below the trough.

The plunger is fitted at one end with a projection 155 which, in the plungers descent, engages a hump on the back of the pawl 182 and tilts the latter so as to free the end of the strip just as it is being engaged by the plungers toothed edges.

The plunger carries at its other end a stripcutting device comprising two scissor blades 5 184-, 185, which are pivotally mounted on a pin 186 projecting from an adjustable bracket 187 on the bar 155 and which are pressed against one another by a spring 188 and nuts 189 (see Figs. 20 and 21). The scissor blades are normally held open against fixed stops 190 by a blade spring 191 and are automatically closed by inclined or cam surfaces 192 in the bar 150 just beyond the trough. The arrangement is such that the scissor blades close after the toothed blades 154 have moved into secure engagement with the strip to hold the latter against possible contraction following the cutting operation.

It will thus be seen that the strip is paid I out straight in a flat formation (Figs. 19 and 23) along the bar 151 and is formed into V- section formation by the trough 151 and held thus while the bar 150 is swung downwards into the position in which the base of the strip is seized by the jaws 91, 92. Moreover, the strip is maintained in its V form throughout its subsequent passage to the fell of the fabric.

The mechanism for rotating the gear-wheel 172 is adapted to be coupled through any suitable double-clutch mechanism alternately with the weaving mechanism of the setting loom and the cam-shaft 29, the arrangement being such that the carriage is driven from right to left by the weaving mechanism to lay-in a strip on the strip-positioning device A during the weaving operation, and is returned from left to right by the cam shaft 29.

It is to be understood that the above-described method of supplying the strip, including the use of the device A, has been described merely by way of example. The bar 150 could be designed to have only a very small are of swing, in which event the stroup carrier could reciprocate along the bar itself, and the strip-inserting plunger and the bar 150 could be arranged to swing about the same axis. If desired, the strips could be fed to the aws (l of the carrier B direct, for example by travelling finger mechanism; or they could be supplied, already cut to length, by conveyor mechanism serving to deliver them, one at a time, side-by-side and in parallel formation; or they could be supplied one at a time by hand.

With reference to the modification illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 2 1 to 27 the separators E shown therein are secured to a fixed bar 200, each separator having a rearwardly and upwardly directed point 201, the function of which is to pass through the upstanding pile of each strip X when the latter is carried by the carrier B from the Fig. 24: position to the Fig. 25 position. Each separator has a slot 202- into which passes a needle of the frame F, the eye of each needle being close to the bottom of the separators when the frame is raised. Thus, when the carrier B takes the strip beyond the separators, the tufts held apart thereby pass immediately between adjacent catcher warps J, which are guided into place by the needles 40, the latter keeping the tufts apart after they have been carried beyond the separators. The warps J are accordingly introduced in a lat eral manner and finally rest on or over the base of the strip (see Fig. 25). The remainder of the cycle of operations may be the same as already described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

Although reference is made throughout this specification to strips, this term is intended to include continuous pile material or fur which is supplied to the setting loom for incorporation in lengths or portions in the fabric. r

212850 984: R r a It'is also to be understood that although I have shown, simply by way of example, one mode of operating the parts in connection with a setting loom, I do not confine myself thereto as the mechanism may be altered or modified as may be required in order to suit the nature of the fabric being manufactured and the character of-the loom employed.

I claim 2- I i. In the manufacture of pile fabrics,

whose pile is introduced thereto and bound therein in strip form, mechanically opening out the pile of each strip as tufts with spaces between the tufts, and then introducing threads in said spaces for the purpose of bind ing the strip in the fabric.

2. In the manufacture, by weaving, of pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced thereto and bound therein in strip form, mechanically opening out the pile of each strip as tufts with spaces between the tufts and then introducing warps in said spaces for the purpose of binding the strip in the fabric being woven.

3. In the manufacture, by weaving, of pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced thereto and bound therein in the form of strips each including a base, mechanically opening out the pile of each strip as tufts with spaces between the tufts and locating strip-binding warps'in said spaces so that said warps extend'across said base and serve to bind the strip in the fabric being woven.

4:. In the manufacture, by weaving, of'pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced thereto in the form of strips-each including a base, holding a strip by its base and with its pile upstanding, mechanically separating the upstanding pile into tufts with spaces between them, introducing strip-binding warps in said spaces over said base, releasing said base, and transporting said strip into a position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

5. In the manufacture of pile fabrics, whose pile is incorporated therein in the form of strips by a weaving operation involving the use of binding warps, said strips each including a base, holding a strip straightened out by its base and with its pile upstanding, mechanically separating the upstanding pile into tufts with spaces between them, imparting a relative motion between said strip and binding warps to introducethe said warps 111 a lateral manner into said spaces andlocate them across said base, re-' leasing said base, and transporting said strip into a position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

6. In the manufacture by Weaving of pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced thereto and bound therein in strip form, mechanically opening out the pile of a strip as tufts with spaces between them, introducing strip-binding warps in said spaces, and transporting said strip along said warpsinto position'to be bound into the fabric being woven.

Y I. In the manufacture by weaving of pne fabrlcs, whose plle is introduced thereto in the form of strips each including a base,

holding a strip by its base and with its pile upstanding, mechanically separating the upstanding pile into tufts with spaces between them, introducing strip-binding warps in bound therein in strip form,'mechanically opening out the pile as tufts with spaces between them, and introducing strip-binding warps in a lateral manner into said spaces.

- 9. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a strip-holder having means for gripping a strip, a separator device for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces be tween them,means for locating strip-binding warps in said spaces and means for transporting the strip from said holder into positionfor binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

10. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a strip-holder having means for gripping a strip by its base, a separator device for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, means for locating strip-binding warps in said spaces across said base, and means for seizing the strip by its tufts and transporting the strip from said holder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

'11. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a carrier for holding a strip, mechanism for moving said carrier between a stripreceiving position and a strip-delivering po sition, a separator device mounted on said carrier and adapted 'to open out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, meansfor locating strip-binding warps in said spaces across said base, and means for seizing the strip by its tufts and transporting the strip from said holder into position for bindingby said warps into the fabric being woven.

12. In a setting loom for weaving pile .nels, and means for transporting the strip from said holder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

13. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a movable strip-holder having means for gripping a strip by its base, a fixed separator device comprising a series of blades for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts, said blades being formed with channels, a movable frame of needles for controlling strip-binding warps and for locating the said warps in said channels, and means for seizing the strip by its tufts and transporting the strip from said holder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

14. In a setting loom for Weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a carrier for holding a strip, mechanism for moving said carrier between a strip-receiving position and a strip-delivering position, a separator device mounted on said carrier and comprising a series of movable blades for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts, said blades being formed with channels, a movable frame of needles for controlling strip-binding warps and for locating the said warps in said channels, and means for seizing the strip by its tufts and transporting the strip from said holder along said warps into position for binding thereby into the fabric being woven.

15. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a strip-positioning device which is movable between a strip-receiving position and a strip-delivering position, said device including an open-bottomed trough, means for laying a sti'p along said device, means for pressing said strip into said trough, a stripholder having means for gripping a strip when the latter is positioned by said device in the strip-delivering position, a separator device for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, scans for locating strip-binding warps in said spaces and means for transporting the strip from said holder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

16. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, Whose pile is introduced in strip fo 111, a strippositioning device which is movable between a strip-receiving position and a strip-delivering position, said device including an open-bottomed trough, means for laying strip along said device, means for pre ing said strip into said trough, a strip-ho .ier having means for gripping a strip when the latter is positioned by said device in the strip-delivering position, a separator device comprising a series of blades for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts, said blades being formed with chanholder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

17. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a strip-holder having means for gripping a trip by its base, a separator device for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, means for locating stripbinding warps in said spaces, a gripper which is guided for movement substantially in the plane of said warps, means for closing said gripper to seize the strip by its tufts and for opening said gripper to release the strip, and means for moving said gripper while closed to transport said strip along said warps into position for binding thereby into the fabric being woven.

18. In a setting loom for Weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a movable strip-holder having means for gripping a strip by its base, a fixed separator device comprising a series of blades for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts during movement of said strip-holder, said blades being formed with channels, a movable frame of needles for controlling strip-binding warps and for locating the said warps in said channels, a gripper which is guided for movement substantially in the plane of said warps, means for closing said gripper to seize the strip by its tufts and for opening said gripper to release the strip, and means for moving said gripper While closed to transport said strip along said warps into position for binding thereby into the fabric being woven.

19. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form, a movable carrier for holding a strip, by its base, a separator device mounted on said carrier and comprising a series of movable blades for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts, blades being formed with channels, a movable frame of needles for controlling strip-binding warps and for locating the said warps in said channels. a gripper which is guided for movement substantially in the plane of said warps, means for closing said gripper to seize the strip by its tufts and for opening said gripper to release the strip, and means for moving said gripper while closed to transport said strip along said warps into position for binding thereby into the fabric being woven.

20. In a setting loom for Weaving pile rics, whose pile is introduced in strip form. means for supplying a continuous length of strip material to the loom, a strip-positioning device which is movable between a strip-receiving position and a strip-delivering pcsition, said device including an open-bottomed trough, a stroup which is mounted above said device and through which said material can be threaded, means for locking the material to said stroup, means for reciprocating said stroup to lay a strip of said material along said device, means for pressing said strip into said trough, means for temporarily locking the end of said laid-in strip to one end of said device, means for severing said strip from said material at the other end of said device, a projection on said strip-pressing means for rendering said second mentioned locking means inoperative, a strip-holder having means for gripping the severed strip when the latter is positioned by said device in the strip-delivering position, a separator device for opening out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, means for locating strip-binding warps in said spaces and means for transporting the strip from said holder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

21. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form,

means for supplying a continuous length of strip material to the loom, a strip-posi tioning device which is movable between a strip-receiving position and a strip-delivering position, said device including an openbottomed trough, a stroup which is mounted above said device and through which said material can be threaded, means for locking the material to said stroup, meansfor reciprocating said stroup to lay a strip of said material along said device, means for'pressing said strip into said trough, meansfor temporarily locking the end of said laid-1n strip to one end of said device, means for severing said strip from said material at the other end of said device, a projection on said strip-pressing means for rendering said second mentioned locking means inoperative, a strip-holder having means for gripping the severed strip when the latter is positioned by said device in the strip-delivering position, a slidably mounted carrier which supports said strip-holder, mechanism for sliding said carrier towards and away from the stripdelivering position of said device, a separator-device mounted on said carrier and adapted to open out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, said separator device comprising a series of blades formed with channels, a movable frame, of needles for controlling strip-binding warps and for locating them in said channels, and means for transporting the strip from said strip-holder into position for binding by said warps into the fabric being woven.

22. In a setting loom for weaving pile fabrics, whose pile is introduced in strip form,

material can be"threaded, means for locking 6 the .material to said ,stroup', means for reciproca'ting said stroup to lay a strip of said matcrialalong said device, means for pressingsaid strip into said trough, means for temporarily locking the end of said laid-in strip to one end of said device, means for severing said strip from said material at the other end of said device, a projection on said strip-pressing means for rendering said second mentioned locking means inoperative, a strip-holder having means for gripping the severed strip by its base when the strip is positioned by said device in the strip-delivering position, a slidably mounted carrier which supports said strip-holder, mechanism for sliding'said carrier towards and away from the strip-delivering position of said device, a separator-device mounted on said carrier and adapted to open out the pile of said strip into'tufts with spaces betweenthem, said separator device comprising a series of blades formed with channels, a movable I into position for binding thereby into the fabric being woven.

23. In a setting loom for weaving pilefab- I rics,;whose pile is introduced in'strip form, a strip-positioning device which is'movable between a strip-receiving position and a strip-delivering position, said device including an open-bottomed trough, means for laying a strip along said device, means for pressing said strip into said trough, a stripholder having means for gripping the severed strip by its base when the strip is positioned by said device in thestrip-delivering position, a slidably mounted carrier which supports said strip-holder, mechanism for sliding said carrier towards and away from the strip-delivering position of said device, a separator-device mounted on said carrier and adapted to open out the pile of said strip into tufts with spaces between them, said separator device comprising a series of blades formed with channels, a movable frame of needles for controlling strip-binding warps and for locating them in said channels, a gripper which is guided for move ment substantially in the plane of said warps,

means for closing said gripper to seize the strip by its tufts and for opening said grip- 1O i,s o,9s i

'per to release the strip, and means for moving said gripper While closed to transport said strip from said strip-holder along said 1 warps into position for binding thereby into the fabric being Woven.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature;

JAMES MORTON. 

